WNY Flash Update

8/27/2011: ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Western New York Flash of Women’s Professional Soccer won the WPS Championship at Sahlen's Stadium on Saturday evening, edging the Philadelphia Independence 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the score was tied 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. The lone goal scorer for the Flash, Canadian International Christine Sinclair was named the game MVP in front of a record crowd of 10,461 for a WPS Final.

Kia McNeill of the Independence defended Sinclair and the forward line of Marta and Alex Morgan very well in the early minutes of the game. In the 9th minute, Marta crossed a ball in the air to Sinclair, but McNeill beat her to the challenge and cleared it away.

The first shot of the game surprisingly came in the 28th minute from Philadephia’s Tasha Kai. Her shot was picked up by Flash goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. Shots were sparse as both defenses were playing very tight and cautious. The Flash and the Independence both tallied just one shot at halftime, as much of the play was in the midfield area. The Flash led the advantage in corner kicks 4-2.

The second half pace picked up and in the 54th minute as WPS Player of the Year Veronica Boquete sent a ball over the top of the Flash defense to Amy Rodriguez. The US National Team striker's touch around Harris was a bit too far, and the chance was cleared by the Flash defense.

The Flash became one goal closer to becoming 2011 WPS Champions when Sinclair scored off a ball over the top of the Philadelphia defense from Canadian teammate Candace Chapman in the 64th minute. Sinclair drilled the ball to the far right post past Nicole Barnhart for her 11th of the season.

As the game seemed to be winding down and a WPS Title was in the cards for the Flash, the resilient Philadelphia side equalized in the 87th minute after Danesha Adams hit the post with a shot and the rebound was slid through the near post past Coast Guard Goalkeeper of the Year Ashlyn Harris into the net by Rodriguez. Moments later, Marta sent in a cross from the left side to second half substitute Beverly Goebel who hit the crossbar in the 90th minute, inches from scoring the go-ahead goal in the dying seconds.

Entering two mandatory 15-minute periods, the Flash led in corners 9-2, and in shots 8-5. By the end of the overtimes, the Flash still led in corners by 14-2, but were down in shots 10-9. In the 108th minute, Goebel received her second yellow card of the game, resulting in a red card and ejection. The Flash played down one player the rest of the overtime until penalty kicks.

The penalty kick-off began with the Flash shooting first. Marta, Sinclair, Captain Caroline Seger, McCall Zerboni and Yael Averbuch all made their shots for the Flash, going five for five. Tensions rose as the Independence matched the Flash shot for shot. Laura del Rio of the Independence lined up to take the last shot and Harris dove to save del Rio’s attempt to make the final count 5-4, and the players rushed the field to celebrate the 2011 WPS Championship. The Flash organization have now won back to back Championships as last season they capped off an undefeated campaign by winning the W-League Championship as the Buffalo Flash in August and joined the WPS in September of 2010. The Flash finish the season 14-2-3 as Regular Season Champions and WPS Champions.

About the WNY Flash

The WNY Flash joined Women’s Professional Soccer as an expansion club in September of 2010, directly following the clubs decisive W-League Championship as the Buffalo Flash in July of 2010. The Flash will play all WPS home games at the Rhinos Stadium in Rochester NY , home to the Rochester Rhinos. The Flash will train out of owner Joe Sahlen’s indoor soccer facility, Sahlen Sports Park , in Elma , NY . The Flash colors are Red, Yellow, and Black, to match the Sahlen entities: Sahlen Packing Co., Sahlen Sports Park , and Team Sahlen racing team. The Flash opens their season away at Boston on April 17 at 6:00 PM live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Last Updated on Friday, 04 May 2012 13:55

Most Recent Email Blast 3/20/15

Friday, 08 October 2010 11:09
administrator

Good Afternoon!

I wanted to let all of you know that I've accepted the assistant coaching position with the Portland Thorns for the summer! I'm super excited for the opportunity to coach some of the best players in the world! Here's a link to the Portland Thorns roster (see any familiar names?). This was a good opportunity to continue to develop as a coach and to get some more experience in a different market.

Anyway, we will continue to run Camps, Clinics & Academies for the Cobras FC as well as all the Train like a Champion Goalkeeper Camps, Clinics & Academies while I'm in Portland. Below is the summer programs with the link to register:

Coaches for all programs are hand selected by myself and I can guarantee the quality of each program will be up to the same standard as they have always been. I will design and oversee all programs as well as be in contact with all coaches multiple times per week.

Finally, I'm finalizing the details for Soccer in the Sand 2015 to happen at Ontario Beach Park! I'll keep you updated on the progression of our talks, but in the meantime, HERE is a link to the SITS website with updated information.

I will be back to Rochester periodically throughout the summer and we play the WNY Flash two times at Sahlen's Stadium! Don't worry...I will definitely be around quite a bit! Thanks for your support throughout the years and GO THORNS!

Lil Cobras Summer Fun Academy 2015

Lil’ Cobras Academy: For the Soccer Stars of Tomorrow!

(This is an opportunity for soccer stars of tomorrow to get professional training while still participating in the boys or girls house soccer leagues. This program is going into it's 7th year and over 600 kids have participated in previous Lil' Cobras Development Programs)

WHO: Open to all young aspiring soccer players (ages 4-8) looking to have a bunch of fun and learn about proper soccer techniques.

WHAT: This is a 6-week Lil’ Cobras Fun Academy and is designed and overseen by Cobras FC Director of Player Development Scott Vallow (ex-Rhinos GK). Previous coaches for the program have been current Pro Players on the WNY Flash and Rochester Rhinos!

This program is sponsored by the Cobras FC.

WHEN/WHERE:Girls sessions are Mondays June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6th from 6:00-7:00pm.Boys sessions are Tuesdays June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and July 7th from 6:00-7:00pm.

All sessions are OUTSIDE at (field will be announced as soon as permit is approved).

COST: Only $50 per participant (only $8.33 per session!) and fee includes a FREE Lil’ Cobras Academy T-shirt.

Spots are very limited for this program. To ensure participation, please register soon.

Scott Vallow's GK School, Summer 2015: Rochester

The Most Comprehensive GK Development Program in Rochester!

Program designed and overseen by Cobras FC Director of Player Development, Scott Vallow, Former Assistant Coach of the WNY Flash/Rochester Rhinos and Former Rhinos GK and Team Captain.

This program focuses on high-level GK techniques and tactics and is only open to participants 13 and older (special permission can be given by Scott for those that have been through a previous GK Camp or other prior TLC GK Programs)

All Program Dates are OUTSIDE at (field will be announced as soon as permit is approved).

Cost: $75--non-refundable fee (family and team discounts). This fee covers all 3 hours of field time and training. All goalkeepers receive an UHLSPORT Long-Sleeved training shirt.

Class sizes are limited, so please register as soon as possible to ensure participation.

2015 High School & College Prep 3-Day GK Camp (July)

SERIOUS GOALKEEPERS ONLY!

This program was built on requests from High School Goalkeepers to prepare them for their important high school soccer season. This program is for current Varsity and JV Goalkeepers as well as College Goalkeepers that want to prep for their college soccer season...group will be divided, if needed.

This program will give players the professional environment where they can continue to develop their skills, be challenged and have fun. This program is designed and overseen by Cobras FC Director of Player Development, Scott Vallow (ex-Rhinos Assistant Coach & GK).

This program will cover: passing/receiving, dribbling, shooting, heading and goalkeeping (for those interested), as well as speed/agility sessions, tactical skills and competitive games. Players will be divided each day into small groups with those of the same age/ability level.

Dates, Times and Location: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday June 22, 23 & 24, 1-4pm all 3 days at (field location will be announced once permit is approved).